Since smaller companies are less likely to have a drug testing
program in place, they are at greater risk of hiring and then
suffering the consequences of drug and alcohol abusers than larger
businesses, says Dee Mason, founder and administrator of the
Business Against Substance Abuse Coalition in Columbus, Ohio.
The results of hiring a substance abuser are not always clearly
visible. "Unless there's an accident of some sort,"
Mason says, "the employer often does not realize this culprit
is syphoning off the bottom line."
Mason cites five areas where losses can occur:
Content Continues Below
1. Productivity. A substance abuser is 33 percent to 50
percent less productive than a nonabuser.
2. Absenteeism. "Substance abusers miss an average
of three weeks more a year of work, and they are three times more
likely to be tardy," Mason says.
3. Medical claims. Abusers claim 300 percent to 400
percent more in medical benefits.
4. Pilferage. Fifty percent to 80 percent of workplace
theft has been traced to substance-abusing employees.
5. Accidents. Abusers are 3.6 times more likely to have
an accident on the job, 5 times more likely off the job, and they
file 5 times more workers' compensation claims than
nonabusers.
In addition, Mason says, employers can be held liable in court
for the behavior of employees both on and off the job, as long as
they are operating within their job descriptions.
Establishing a substance-abuse prevention program reduces losses
and liability. And, if you do federal contract work of $25,000 or
more annually, or if you have received a federal grant, you are
required by the Drug-Free Workplace Act of 1988 to have a
verifiable program in place.
An effective drug-free workplace program includes:
- a written policy that clearly articulates expectations,
practices and consequences;
- an employee assistance plan.
Mason says small businesses have a number of resources to help
with creating and implementing a cost-effective drug-free workplace
program. She suggests checking with your local chamber of commerce
or trade association for assistance. Or call Community Anti-Drug
Coalitions of America at (800) 542-2322 for referrals to resources
in your area.
Jacquelyn Lynn is a business writer in Winter Park,
Florida.
Page 1 |
2 |
3 |
4 |
5 |
6 